John Norris Ray – aka JNR
John is an award-winning writer, producer, and director based in Houston, Texas, and the President of JNR Productions, a company he founded to support his own creative ambitions while actively championing independent filmmakers.
Over the years, John and his company have become widely recognized for their commitment to supporting writers, directors, and producers across the independent film community. He has served as an investor and executive producer on numerous film projects in multiple countries, helping bring bold stories to life around the world.
John’s personal accomplishments include earning more than 200 festival awards for his own self-produced films and screenplays, a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for storytelling.
In 2024, John retired from a U.S.-based national fundraising company he founded and led as Chief Executive Officer, closing a remarkable chapter of leadership and service. He is also a proud U.S. Army veteran and a cancer survivor, experiences that reflect the resilience and strength he brings to everything he does.
John lives with his wife and their two Chinese Crested dogs, and together they have traveled to more than 60 countries, carrying with them a deep curiosity about people, culture, and the world.
Independent films move forward because people like John choose to invest in stories, and in the artists who tell them.